idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
In the field of human genetics, extensive DNA databases are essential for research. However, many of these databases contain data of uncertain origin, often obtained without proper consent or donor information. This poses serious problems, especially for vulnerable groups including minorities: Because they are overrepresented in such databases, they are at risk of exploitation or even mass surveillance. Bioinformatician Yves Moreau has exposed these issues, focusing on marginalized communities such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans. His efforts have already prompted prestigious scientific journals to retract articles based on questionable data and pressured a major biotech company to stop sales of DNA retrieval kits in sensitive regions like Xinjiang and Tibet. Despite these successes unethical practices persist, threatening the privacy of DNA data for everyone. In his lecture at the digital society festival re:publica, Yves aims to shed light on these challenges and what is essentially at stake: our own DNA privacy.
Yves Moreau is a professor of engineering science at the University of Leuven, Belgium. Moreau is at the forefront of the development of AI applications for the analysis of DNA in disease diagnosis and medication development. He engineers algorithms for use in large-scale data analyses that guarantee the protection of privacy. Moreau champions the implementation of robust ethical standards concerning the handling of sensitive data in science. As a concerned scientist, he is regularly involved in public debates and is a vocal opponent of genetic surveillance technologies. He also offers his expertise to journalists, human rights activists, and other interested parties. Yves Moreau is winner of the 2023 Einstein Foundation Award For Promoting Quality in Research.
Information on participating / attending:
The event will take place as part of the re:publica digital conference
Date:
05/29/2024 14:15 - 05/29/2024 14:45
Event venue:
re:publica
STATION Berlin
Luckenwalder Str. 4-6
10963 Berlin
Berlin
Germany
Target group:
all interested persons
Email address:
Relevance:
transregional, national
Subject areas:
Information technology, Medicine, Philosophy / ethics
Types of events:
Presentation / colloquium / lecture
Entry:
04/30/2024
Sender/author:
Marina Meurer
Department:
Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Event is free:
no
Language of the text:
English
URL of this event: http://idw-online.de/en/event76840
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